xwave's DSA team supplies real-time software and systems for simulation, training, defence, and integrated lifecycle information management for the aerospace and defence industries. The division employs approximately 200 people in Ottawa, Ontario; Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Esquimalt, British Columbia.
"We are happy to expand CAE's defence capabilities and footprint across Canada, particularly in Ottawa, Atlantic Canada and British Columbia," said Marc Parent, CAE's Group President, Simulation Products and Military Training & Services. "xwave DSA is already a valued partner of CAE on several programs. By joining CAE and our CAE Professional Services team, xwave's DSA professionals will provide us with a portfolio of complementary capabilities, including systems integration that will enhance CAE's ability to serve Canada as well as the global defence and homeland security markets."
Over the past year, Bell Aliant conducted a strategic review of its DSA business and concluded that to further grow the business, it should be operated by an organization that supports large scale, multi-year and international projects in this sector.
"I am pleased that CAE, a Canadian-based company and world leader in the defence and civil aviation industries, will be leading our DSA business through the next phase of its growth," said Stephen Wetmore, President and CEO of Bell Aliant. "We look forward to working with CAE, our employees and clients through this transition."
This acquisition is an important step in CAE's strategy to expand the use of modelling and simulation throughout the defence systems lifecycle. xwave's DSA unit offers a suite of training products focused on rear crew trainers and mission rehearsal systems that will further enhance CAE's military training and services offerings. The acquisition will also allow CAE to add new customers and capabilities in the electronic warfare market, the land command and control market, and significantly enhance its presence in the C4ISR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) domain.
Some of the key programs involving xwave's DSA include a range of air, land and sea programs in Canada, such as the Maritime Helicopter Program, where DSA is providing lifecycle support capabilities. In addition, the DSA team's electronic warfare technology is currently used by Canadian troops in Afghanistan. The xwave DSA team is also part of the Lockheed Martin team pursuing the Canadian Navy's Halifax Class Modernization Program.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by the end of the calendar year.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the proposed sale of Bell Aliant's xwave Defence, Security and Aerospace business unit to CAE. Such statements are made as of the date of this release and are therefore subject to change after that date. These statements are also subject to important known and unknown risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events, results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. The timing and completion of the proposed sale transaction is subject to each of the parties fulfilling their commitments under the transaction, as well as a number of other terms and conditions, some of which may be outside of the control of the parties. Therefore it cannot be guaranteed that any forward-looking statement will materialize. Bell Aliant and CAE assume no responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements and, except as may be required by applicable law, disclaim any intention and assume no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
About Bell Aliant
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About xwave
xwave, a division of Bell Aliant, is a full-service business-solutions provider that serves clients through systems integration, infrastructure services, and advanced technology solutions. These areas offer clients a broad delivery capability: xwave plans, designs, builds and operates complete information and communications technology (ICT) solutions that meet business-process needs and are designed to deliver a measurable return on technology investments. With almost $300 million in revenues and 1,500 people, xwave is one of the largest business-solutions organizations in Canada, with locations in St. John's, Halifax, Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Charlottetown, Summerside, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and New England. More information can be found at www.xwave.com
About CAE
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